Don’t forget the seven unbeatens outside the top eight
There’s an undefeated college football team in Alabama with one of the most balanced offenses in the country.
Its quarterback ranks among the most efficient passers in the country, and it has a pair of running backs who are capable of running for 100 yards in the same game.
Sounds a lot like No. 3 Alabama, right?
It’s No. 17 Auburn, too.
The Tigers are 5-0 under first-year coach Gene Chizik, whose December hiring was greeted with mixed reviews after his less-than-spectacular tenure at Iowa State. Auburn ranks in the top five nationally in total offense (512.8 yards per game), scoring (41.4 points per game) and rushing (253.8 yards per game).
Behind quarterback Chris Todd and tailbacks Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb, the Tigers have already scored 207 points in five games — one fewer than they had in 12 games last season.
“At this point in the season, we’ve only played five games,” Chizik told reporters Sunday. “At this point, [our ranking] is really somewhat insignificant. It doesn’t matter where you are now, it only matters where you are at the end of November and December. Obviously, we’re happy to get the recognition. I think our kids have worked really hard and our coaches have worked really hard.”
After beating Tennessee 26-22 in its first road game Saturday night, Auburn faces a somewhat tougher schedule. The Tigers play at Arkansas on Saturday and still face three ranked teams: at No. 4 LSU on Oct. 24, home against No. 20 Ole Miss on Oct. 31 and home against Alabama in the annual Iron Bowl on Nov. 27.
ESPN.com
10/6/9
